In what may be the biggest step backwards for equality in sport we’ve ever witnessed, Novak Djokovic has made some pretty eyebrow-raising comments.
The tennis star has opined that men should get bigger prizes than women in tennis, because men have more spectators.
Seriously.
The issue is a “delicate” one, as Novak pointed out himself, and his comment comes in the wake of some pretty unbelievable comments from Chief Executive of tennis tournament Indian Wells, Raymond Moore.
Speaking before a grand slam final between Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams, Moore helpfully pointed out that the Women’s Tennis Association was a “lucky organisation” that “rides on the coattails” of the male organisation.
He added:
“If I was a lady player, I’d go down every night on my knees and thank God that Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were born, because they have carried this sport. They really have.”
It was in this context that Novac decided to add his two cents, which were:
“Obviously it’s a very delicate situation. Women deserve respect and admiration for what they are doing. You know, equal prize money was the main subject of the tennis world in the last seven, eight years.
“I have been through that process as well so I understand how much power and energy WTA and all the advocates for equal prize money have invested in order to reach that. I applaud them for that, I honestly do. They fought for what they deserve and they got it.”
Okay, great. Thanks Novac. Oh, not finished? Okay do go on…
“On the other hand I think that our men’s tennis world, ATP world, should fight for more [money] because the stats are showing that we have much more spectators on the men’s tennis matches.I think that’s one of the reasons why maybe we should get awarded more.”
Oh… kay.
We’re all for freedom of opinion, but we do feel if a male at the forefront of tennis doesn’t believe in equality in sport, then he should probably stay quiet for now.
Our face right now…
